Combination male/female hip joint and installation kit

ABSTRACT

A hip implant assembly including body exhibiting a substantially spherical shaped ball and an elongated stem. An annular defining rim separates the ball from the stem and abuts, in a maximum inserting condition, an exterior surface of a reconditioned femur upon inserting the stem within an interior passageway associated with the femur. A three dimensional and interior volume defining support secures around the ball in a universally articulating permitting fashion, the support being fixed to a reconditioned acetabulum socket associated with an ilium bone by interconnecting posts and anchors established between the fixed support and the reconditioned surface of the acetabulum. A corresponding installation kit assists the preparation of the femur and ilium bones defining the hip joint, as well as the installation of the implant body into the upper conditioned femur end and the outer socket support to a reconditioned acetabulum defined in the ilium bone.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to replacement assemblies foruse in the acetabulofemoral (i.e. hip) joint. More particularly, thepresent invention teaches a self-contained and replaceable articulatinghip utilized in a hip arthroplasty procedure, as well as an installationkit for assisting the preparation of the femur and ilium bones definingthe hip joint, as well as the installation of the implant body into theupper conditioned femur end and the outer socket support to areconditioned acetabulum defined in the ilium bone.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art is documented with various types of hip replacementassemblies. These typically include either the removal and/orrefashioning of the insertable head associated with the thigh or upperfemur bone along with the receiving acetabulum socket defined in thepelvic area located ilium bone. Such replacement hip assemblies con alsoincorporate artificial or synthetic implant components, however theirrelative large size contributes to an attendant degree of installationeffort and patient discomfort associated with its surgical implantation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a hip implant assembly including bodyexhibiting a substantially spherical shaped ball and an elongated stem.An annular defining rim separates the ball from the stem and abuts, in amaximum inserting condition, an exterior surface of a reconditionedfemur upon inserting the stem within an interior passageway associatedwith the femur.

A three dimensional and interior volume defining support secures aroundthe ball in a universally articulating permitting fashion. The supportis affixed to a reconditioned acetabulum socket associated with an iliumbone by interconnecting posts and anchors established between the fixedsupport and the reconditioned surface of the acetabulum.

Additional features include the body and support being constructed ofany type of plastic, metal or admixture thereof, and an inner remote endof the stem being cored or otherwise recess machined in order to promotethe in-growth of marrow within the and around the stem. A plurality ofentrapped lubricant defined passageways are located between the ball andan overlaying surface of the support. A venting port is incorporatedinto an interior socket configuration established between the supportand ball in communication with the interior passageways to permit theremoval, venting and/or replacement of the lubricant fluid.

The outer socket mounting support may also include a generally cup-shapedefining a receiver for seating the ball and including a softer andinner/arcuate absorbing layer extending in embedded fashion between aninner facing surface and an outer facing surface seating against theacetabulum socket. The annular extending flange of the body may alsoconstructed of a softer grade material than either the stem and ball toassist in shaping and form fitting about an exposed reconditionedsurface of the upper femur.

A plurality of outwardly projecting posts integrally formed with anexposed surface of the support are dimensioned to seat within aperturesdefined in the reconditioned acetabulum socket. A plurality of anchorsare installed within the apertures in an undercut engaging mannerdefined within the acetabulum socket, the posts extending from thesupport and seating within the apertures. The anchors can further berecess fitted within holes formed in the ilium bone and in an undercutengaging fashion.

Other features include an overlap configuration established between anend extending rim of the support and inner seating ball which is locatedposterior to the maximum width/diameter dimension of the ball. In thisfashion, the ball is retained in seating fashion within the outeraffixed and recess configuring support, while concurrently permitting amaximum possible degree of universal movement of said ball relative tosaid support without causing the rim edge to come into contact with theflange defining the boundary between the insertable stem and ball.

An outwardly displaceable anchor is further defined within the stem isactuated by a rotatable input to screw surface mounted in said annularflange. A series of interior and interconnected linkages areincorporated into the stem of the body and transfer a rotatable inputapplied to the annular flange located and surface exposed screw tooutwardly displace the anchor into biasing contact with the interior ofthe femur, causing the flange to be drawn tight against thereconditioned surface of the femur. A subset variant also includes theone piece ball and supporting stem reconfigured as a pair of threadablyengageable components, such that the ball includes an externallythreaded shaft end which is threadably engaged with an inner threadedsurface associated with a mating interior passageway of the stem and inproximity to the annular flange.

Yet additional features include a plurality of outwardly projectingposts with enlarged dimensioned ends mounted to the reconditionedacetabulum and resistively fitting within internal anchors configuredwithin an increased dimensioned base of the support. In another variant,a first plurality of radial positioned posts with button projections ismounted to the reconditioned acetabulum, a matching plurality ofrecessed slots being configured upon the mounting surface of the supportand including enlarged and perimeter defined inserting portions at aninitial locating and inserting position. The outer socket support andball are subsequently twist locked an incremental angular directionwithin the slots so that the button projections are caused toresistively seat within reduced dimensioned portions associated witheach of the recess defined slots.

In another variant, a plurality of displaceable anchors are located inspaced fashion about an outermost periphery of the support and which areseated in linearly projecting fashion through perimeter spaced internalapertures defined in spaced apart fashion about the periphery of thesupport. Each the anchors include enlarged resistance engaging end whichare linearly displaced into and in resistive engaging contact withpreviously defined undercut recesses formed about a correspondingperimeter of the acetabulum socket.

A yet further variant includes a plurality of circumferentially spacedand outwardly displaceable tabs disposed about a width periphery of thesupport and seated within associated recesses formed in the support. Thetabs are outwardly displacing and downwardly rotating in successivemotions and in order to overlay surrounding and spaced surface locationsof the ilium bone in a precise and fit-adjustment fashion. A pluralityof anchors are incorporated into the tabs and engage the bone. A likeplurality of tab locking pins are mounted to the support at peripherallocations aligning with the tabs and which are downwardly displaced tofix the tabs at their extended and rotated positions concurrent withthem being anchored in place to the ilium bone.

An associated installation kit for assisting the preparation of thefemur and ilium bones defining the hip joint, as well as theinstallation of the implant body into the upper conditioned femur endand the outer socket support to a reconditioned acetabulum defined inthe ilium bone, includes a saw for removing a damaged bulbous shapedhead associated with the femur and in order to reveal a generallyannular shaped receiving face which communicates an interior extendingpassageway. A hand held grinder exhibiting a hemispherical shaped androtatably driven grinder bit reshapes the acetabulum socket to match amounting surface associated with the outer socket support.

A drill fixture template is mounted to the ilium bone and overlays thereconditioned acetabulum, the template including a plurality ofapertures arranged in a desired pattern array. A drill is insertable insuccession into through each of the apertures defined in the templateand in order to create an initial hole within the acetabulum. Asubsequent undercut pattern is formed within a recessed side walllocation of the hole, such as made possible by undercut engaging lateralblade portions associated with the drill.

A plurality of posts secure to either of said holes in the acetabulum orto the mounting surface of the outer socket support and in order toengaging the outer socket to the reconditioned acetabulum. In oneembodiment, the posts project linearly from the outer socket supportmounting surface and are resistively engaged within deformable anchorspre-fitted into the undercut machined holes in the ilium bone incommunicating fashion with the acetabulum.

Additional features of the installation kit include the hemisphericalshaped grinder bit of the hand held grinder further exhibiting aplurality of individual incising blade portions arranged in alongitudinal arrayed pattern. A three dimensional open interior createdwithin a tool head of the grinder between a base and the hemisphericalbit providing for collection of bone shavings and debris, these vacuumremoved for storage within a waste chamber located in a rear handle.

The drill template further exhibits edge extending engagement tabstemporarily mounted to specified surface locations of the ilium bone.The drill further exhibits a fluted exterior configured and elongatedbit, a secondary shaft extending linearly within a recess within theelongated bit and which is actuated via gear drive components built intoa base of the bit to linearly elevate the shaft into engagement with apair of progressively outward laterally and displaceable undercutmachining bits seated within lateral passageways defined in the bit.Also provided are a plurality of recess anchors constructed of a durableand flexible/expandable plastic and which are sized so as to beinstalled within a previously formed drill hole with undercut profile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read incombination with the following detailed description, wherein likereference numerals refer to like parts throughout throughout the severalviews, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded view of the upper femur illustrating inphantom outline the removed ball and further showing the implantassembly including insert stem and articulating head which integratesboth the ball and socket components into a single and universallyarticulating assembly;

FIG. 2 is a successive installed view of the assembly in FIG. 1, andfurther showing the feature of the outwardly displaceable anchorassociated with an embedded stem location and which is actuated by arotatable input applied to a screw incorporated into a rim surfacelocation of the implant assembly;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a portable and hand held rotary ball shapedgrinder, such as can be provided as an attachment secured to a rotarydrill motor and which includes built in vacuum retrieval of debris, thegrinder being utilized in situ within the patient forrefashioning/resizing the associated acetabulum socket defined in thelateral base of the ilium and between the pubis and ischium branches;

FIG. 3A is a further partial illustration of a modified grinder providedas a drill attached bit;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a successive installation step followingthe rotary grinder of FIG. 3 in the arthroplasty procedure and by whichthe a drill fixture template is mounted to the previously refashionedcavity, the fixture including an array of apertures for receiving afurther drill in order to create a pattern within the recessed interiorof the previously reformed socket;

FIG. 4A is a further partial illustration of a modified drill exhibitinga bit attachment end;

FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrate a modified drill bit for creating an undercutprofile within each of the holes formed through the template into therefashioned socket;

FIGS. 4D, 4E and 4F illustrate examples of protruding/expanding barbsincorporated into recess anchors installed within previously undercutdefined drill holes;

FIG. 5 is a succeeding illustration in which the drill fixture templateis removed and the a series of installation anchors are fitted into theundercut recess formed holes;

FIG. 6 is a substantially rotated generally back side of the ilium inFIG. 5 and illustrating the reshaping of the acetabulum socket and theinstallation of the anchors occurring within the interior of the boneand without breaching the rear side;

FIG. 7 is an overall view of the assembly secured to the upper thighbone as shown in FIG. 2 in partially exploded array relative to thepreviously reformed acetabulum of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a further successive assembled view in which the femur, balland socket are aligned and subsequently assembled by inserting into therecessed defined anchors a plurality of posts arrayed in projectingfashion from the surface of the integrated articulating assembly;

FIG. 9 is an illustration largely similar to that shown in FIG. 8 and bywhich the combined ball and socket is shown in comparison to a dimensionin phantom illustrative of an original ball socket and to which theimplant assembly closely matches in dimension;

FIG. 10 is a partially exploded illustration of a further variant and inwhich a plurality of hip anchors with mounting posts are formed withinthe reshaped acetabulum and which exhibit enlarged projecting ends whichresistively fit within recesses formed in an installed fixed outerarticulating support associated with the implant assembly;

FIG. 10A is a partially exploded illustration of a further twist andlock variant of the hip joint assembly and in which a first plurality ofradial positioned posts with button projections are formed within therefashioned acetabulum and seat within a matching plurality of slotsdefined in the exposed fashion of the outer articulating support whichare subsequently rotated causing said posts to resistively seat withinreduced dimensioned portions of said slots;

FIG. 10B is a rotated perspective of the partially exploded view of FIG.10A and better showing the configuration of the rotary extending slotswith enlarged insert and reduced dimension twist and lock portions;

FIG. 11 is a generally lengthwise cutaway illustration of the assemblyaccording to any of the previously identified variants and illustratingthe configuration established between the inner universally articulatingball and outer affixed support, this further showing both the featuresof entrapped lubricant defined passageways established at the interfacebetween the inner ball and outer support, the configuration of theremote extending end of the stem for facilitating marrow bonding, andthe ability to size the overlapping dimension of the outer affixedsupport at any location posterior to the maximum width/diameterdimension of the inner ball and in order to retain the ball within theouter affixed and recess configuring support while permitting a maximumdegree of universal movement of the ball;

FIG. 11A is an illustration of a slight variant of the assembly in FIG.11 and in which the one piece ball and supporting stem of FIG. 11 can bereconfigured into a pair of threadably or otherwise inter-engageablecomponents;

FIG. 12 is an overlap illustration comparing an insert stem and ballaccording to the present invention in overlapped relationship relativeto a conventional ball and stein implant, further shown in phantom;

FIG. 13 is a perspective of the acetabulum socket defined in the hipilium and illustrating in partially exploded fashion a hip socket linerconstructed of either or an admixture of both a metal and a plastic andwhich is cemented or otherwise secured to a previously reconditionedacetabulum surface prior to installation of the universal ball;

FIG. 14 is an illustration of an installation assembly according to ayet further embodiment and in which a plurality of displaceable anchorsare located in spaced fashion about an outermost periphery of the outeraffixed housing containing the socket and ball for installation withinthe acetabulum socket;

FIG. 15 is a succeeding illustration to FIG. 14 in which the ilium boneis shown in phantom and by which the anchors are linearly displaced intopreviously defined undercut recesses formed about a correspondingperimeter of the acetabulum socked associated with the ilium bone;

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a yet further installation assembly inwhich a plurality of laterally outwardly displaceable tabs areassociated with the outer affixed housing;

FIG. 17 is a succeeding view to FIG. 16 in which, upon aligning theouter fixed articulating support within the acetabulum, the tabs areoutwardly displaced and downwardly rotated in successive motions inorder to overlay surrounding and spaced surface locations of the iliumbone; and

FIG. 18 is a final assembled view in which a plurality of anchors builtinto the tabs are caused to seat within drill formed and receivingrecesses spot located within the ilium bone, concurrent with associatedtab locking pins being downwardly displaced to lock the tabs into theirextended positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention teaches a self-contained and replaceablearticulating hip utilized in a hip arthroplasty procedure. The ball,socket/receiver and associated stem components can be constructed of anytype of plastic, metal or admixture according to any desired ration orpercentage. As will be also described, the implant components can beprovided with varying hardness/softness to maximize both comfort andwear, and it is further understood that the present assembly providesfor a maximum degree of implant efficiency, universality in use anddegree of comfort to the patient.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate both partially exploded and assembled views,genitally at 10, of the combined installation stem and exposed endsupported and universally articulating head which can be installed intoa reconditioned and channel defined end of an upper femur (thigh bone) 2of a patient, and typically such as following reconditioned removal ofthe previously existing (and typically compromised or damaged) bulbousshaped head of the upper femur 2, this further illustrated at 4 inphantom and which is normally accomplished with the use of anappropriate medical saw or like power reciprocated or chain drive, aswell as manually reciprocated instrument, see at 3 in FIG. 1. Aspreviously described, and upon reconditioning the upper femoral end (seeas exhibiting a smoothed and generally annular shaped receiving face 5)and the subsequent installation of the replacement assembly includingthe insert stem and articulating head, the ball and socket componentsare integrated into a single and universally articulating assembly whichmimics that of the natural ball and socket.

As supplemented by the lengthwise cutaway view of FIG. 11, the implantassembly exhibits a generally elongated and arcuate stem 12 which issupported within the interior passageway associated with the upper femurbone 2. The stem 12 can be adhesively cemented within the femur boneinterior (such as through the application of a polymethylmethacrylate)and it is further envisioned that an inner remote end of the stem 12 canbe cored or otherwise recess machined, see as shown 13, in order topromote the in-growth of marrow within the and around the inserted endof the stein 12 and to improve long term anchoring support of the sternwithin the bone.

A generally spherical or ball shaped head 14 is integrally formed withthe stem 12 and, as shown, is separated by an interposed and annularsurface exposed rim 16 which defines an installation limit of the stein12 within the conditioned and passageway defined bone interior. Thegenerally lengthwise cutaway illustration of the assembly furtherillustrates a plurality of entrapped lubricant defined passageways, at18 and which are established at the interface between the inner ball 14and a three dimensional shaped and interior volume defining outersupport 20, which is in turn anchored within the acetabulum definedsocket interior (see at 6 in FIG. 3) of the ilium (at 8), such asbetween the lower extending pubis and ischium tributaries. As furthershown in the variant of FIG. 11A, a venting port 21 can be incorporatedinto the interior socket configuration established between the support20 and ball 14 and in communication with the interior passageways 18 topermit the removal, venting and/or replacement of the lubricant fluid.

As further shown in FIG. 11, the outer ball receiving and universalarticulating support 20 can each again be constructed of any type ofplastic or metal (or mixture), the support 20 further exhibiting agenerally cup-shape defining a receiver for seating the ball 14 andincluding a softer and inner/arcuate absorbing layer 22 extending inembedded fashion between the inner facing surface within which isestablished the ball/lubricant passage 18 defined boundary, and theexposed outer surface of the support 20 which is in turn anchored withinthe acetabulum socket 6 in a manner to be subsequently described.

It is further understood that the annular extending flange 16 can beconstructed of a softer grade plastic or other material as compared toeither or both the stem 12 or ball 14, this assisting in more easilyshaping and form fitting of the flange 16 about the exposedreconditioned surface of the upper femur 2. As shown in FIG. 12, anoverlap illustration compares the insert stem and ball according to thepresent invention in overlapped relationship relative to a conventionalball and stem implant, further shown in phantom at 1, and whichdemonstrates the advantages of the current design both as to reducedoverall length and increased socket dimension.

Also shown at 23 are a plurality of forward projecting posts (with alarger selected post shown at 23′) and which are integrally formed withthe exposed and seating outer surface of the support 20. As will bedescribed in subsequent detail, the posts 23 are provided to facilitateanchoring of the outer fixed support 20 within the reconditionedacetabulum socket 6.

Further illustrated at 24 is a spaced dimension corresponding to anoverlap configuration or dimension established between an end extendingrim 26 of the affixed outer support 20 and the and any location of theinner seating ball 14 which is located posterior to the maximumwidth/diameter dimension of the ball, this in order to retain the ballin seating fashion within the outer affixed and recess configuringsupport 20, while at the same time permitting a maximum possible degreeof universal movement of the ball 14 relative to the anchored support 20without causing the rim edge 26 to come into contact with the annularexposed surface rim 16 defining the boundary between the insertable stem12 and the exposed ball 14.

As further illustrated in both FIGS. 1, 2 and 11, the feature of anoutwardly displaceable anchor 28 is shown associated with an embeddedstem 12 location, and which is actuated by a rotatable input such as toa rotatable screw 30 incorporated into the annular rim surface location16 of the implant assembly. The linear cutaway of FIG. 11 furtherillustrates a series of interior and interconnected linkages, see at 32and 34, which transfer the rotatable input applied to the screw 30 (thissuch as by a tool or other suitable keyed implement) and which cause anend-rotatable component, see further shown at 36 and which is operatedby the turning of the selected linkage 34, to in turn outwardly displacethe anchor 28 (such as which can be influenced by a suitable ratchetingor inter-teethed arrangement) outwardly and in biasing contact with theinterior of the upper thigh bone. As is further shown, theforward/upward angle associated with the upper surface configuration ofthe anchor 28 is such that, upon it being actuated outwardly and againstthe inner surface of the femur bone in communication with the innerpassageway, the stem 12 and annular flange 16 are caused to be biasedinwardly within the femur 2 and further so that the annular surfaceflange 16 is pulled tight against the reconditioned femur surface asshown in FIG. 2.

The actuation linkage demonstrated is intended to show only one of anumber of potentially varying mechanisms for outwardly displacing ananchor for providing an additional degree of fixed support to the stem,this in addition to either or both the use of adhesives and/or thenotching or inner end coring of the stem in order to promote the naturalgrowth of bone marrow. It is further understood that variouscombinations of some or all of these implant retaining features can beutilized in order to secure the implant assembly in place upon thereconditioned bone end and concurrent with

FIG. 11A is an illustration of a slight variant of the assembly in FIG.11 and in which the one piece ball 14 and supporting stein 12 of FIG. 11is reconfigured into a pair of threadably or otherwise inter-engageablecomponents. This includes the ball 14 having an externally threadedshaft end 38 which is threadably engaged with an inner threaded surface40 associated with a mating interior passageway associated with the stem12 and in proximity to the abutment stop defining annular flange 16. Inthis fashion, a damaged ball 14 can be removed and replaced without therequirement of retrieval/removal of the interior anchored stem 12.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an illustration of a portable and hand heldrotary ball shaped grinder, such as shown at 42 and which can beprovided as a self contained and powered unit or, as alternativelydepicted in FIG. 3A, as an attachment 43 secured to a separate rotarydrill motor (not shown). The rotary grinder 42 exhibits a hand heldgripping body and, at a forward end, terminates in a generallyhemispherical seating portion 44 within which is rotatably supported(such as via a drive shaft extending longitudinally along an interior ofthe tool 42 from a powered input located in the handle) a furtherhemispherical shaped and rotating grinder bit 46 and which is rotated bythe inner drive shaft.

As is further illustrated, the hemispherical shaped grinder bit 46exhibits a plurality of individual incising blade portions 48 which arearranged in a longitudinal arrayed pattern. Upon being placed over theacetabulum socket 6 of the ilium bone 8, this again being defined in thelateral base of the ilium and between the pubis and ischium branches,the grinder 42 is activated in order to progressively shave bone fromthe acetabulum 6, causing its socket profile to eventual match theexterior profile of the hemispherical bit 46. A three dimensional openinterior is created within the tool head between the base 46 andattached hemispherical bit 48 and provides for collection of boneshavings and debris, these subsequently being vacuum removed from thegrinding head for storage within such as a waste chamber located in arear handle or other portion of the grinder 42 for subsequent emptying.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a successive installation step followingthe rotary grinder 42 of FIG. 3 according to the arthroplasty procedure,and by which the a drill fixture or template 50 exhibiting a generallydisk shape with edge extending engagement tabs 52 is provided and istemporarily mounted via the tabs 52 engaging specified surface locationsof the ilium bone 8 in order to cover the previously refashionedacetabulum cavity. As shown, the fixture includes an array of apertures54 (such as three shown) for receiving a further and specially modifieddrill 56 in order to create a precise drill pattern within the recessedinterior of the previously reformed socket 6. As with the rotary grinder42, the modified drill 56 can be self-powered or, as shown at 57 in FIG.4A, can be provided as a bit attachable to a separate hand-held andpowered unit. As with the rotary grinder 42, the further modified chill56 vacuum evacuates and stores, such as within an internal waste chambernot shown but evident from the body shown at 56 in FIG. 4, bone debriscreated from the internal holes drilled through the aperture pattern inthe template 50.

An objective of the hole pattern formed through the use of the template50 and the drill such as shown at 56 is the eventual engagement ofanchors or posts (as will be further described in reference to therelated variants of FIGS. 5, 7, 10, et seq.) either within or extendingfrom the inwardly concave reconditioned surface of the acetabulumsocket. To facilitate this engagement, it is desirable for form anundercut or other suitable enlarged/dovetailed pattern within theinitially formed drill hole (again such as three defined in theapertured pattern established by the template).

To this end, FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrate a modification associated withthe drill 56 and its associated forming bit, this in order to create adesired undercut profile within each of the holes formed through thetemplate into the refashioned socket. FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrate a firstexample of a specific design of drill bit 58, this exhibiting a suitablefluted exterior pattern and which is integrally rotated along with inputshaft 60.

Following completion of the initial drill hole within the ilium boneinterior (and as dictated by the placement of apertures within the disktemplate 50), a secondary and interior shaft, at 62, is seated within alinear passageway defined in said bit 58 and is actuated tolinearly/outwardly displace such as via gear drive components 64 builtinto a base housing 66 and which coact with a suitable mating teethed orother desirable pattern formed in a base of the inner displaceable shaft62. A pair of laterally displaceable undercut defining bits 68 and 70each exhibit an underside taper, see at 72 and 74 in FIG. 4B. The bits68 and 70 are seated within lateral passageways defined proximate a tipof the bit 58 and, upon the inner shaft 62 being upward displaced, itspointed tip 76 (again FIG. 4B) causes the secondary lateral bits 68 and70 to be laterally displaced outwardly in an incremental and progressivefashion in order to create the desired undercut profile. Following this,the inner shaft 62 is retracted and the lateral bits 72 and 74automatically retract upon exerting a removal force to the overall bitbody 58.

Given the precise and in situ nature of the bone machining process, itis further desirable to provide both the initial drill hole andsecondary undercut hole using the same tool and in a quickly succeedingnature, with the undercut being located at any internal position of theinitial drill hole in order to correspond to the configuration of anysubsequently installed retaining post or anchor. That said, it is alsoenvisioned and understood that the feature of the undercut formation canbe provided by a separate drill bit with spring out portions such asdescribed above or the like, and which may be inserted within a templatedefined aperture following completion of the primary drill hole by amore conventionally configured bit.

Referring now to FIGS. 4D, 4E and 4F, illustrated are examplesrespectively shown at 78, 80 and 82, of a variety of different types ofrecess anchors, each of which being constructed of a durable andflexible/expandable plastic in a generally balloon or condom-like shapewithin an open bottom end and which are sized so as to be installedwithin a previously formed drill hole with undercut profile according tothe forming procedures of FIGS. 4 and 4B/4C. Each of the recess anchorsfurther incorporate a protruding or expanding barb, see respectiveprofiles 84 for FIG. 4D (matching laterally displaceable bits 68 and70), at 86 for FIG. 4E (incorporating pairs of dovetail undercutpatterns for engaging linearly spaced undercut profiles formed in theprevious drill hole via a suitable drill tool or the manipulation of atool such as shown in FIGS. 4B/4C which relocates the undercut bits to asecondary location) and finally at 88 for FIG. 4F (generally balloonshaped profile for seating within an enlarged and more bulbous shapedundercut profile achieved with a suitable tool).

As is fluffier shown in FIGS. 4D-4F, the open bottom ends of theindividual configured anchors 78, 80 and 82 are each configured with aninternal pattern or the like profile, this further shown at 90, 92 and94, respectively and which facilitates collapsing and expansion of thevarious barb projections built into the anchors. Upon pre-insertingwithin the individually formed template drill holes, the anchors arepulled tight (this occurring manually or through the application of afarther inwardly collapsing pullers as shown at 96 in FIG. 5) causingthe anchors to completely fill and the drill holes and undercut profilein an anchored and withdrawal prevented fashion. Once completelytightened, the pullers 96 can be broken off and/or linearly retracted toreveal the inwardly mounted anchors (such as again profiled at 78 in theexample of FIG. 4D) secured within the previously undercut formed drillholes. FIG. 6 is a substantially rotated generally back side of theilium 8 in FIG. 5 and which is intended to illustrate the reshaping ofthe acetabulum socket and the subsequent formation of the undercut drillholes and installation of the anchors within the interior of the bone,this occurring without breaching the rear side of the ilium 8.

Proceeding to FIG. 7, an overall view of the assembly 10 as previouslydescribed is shown secured to the upper thigh bone (also as previouslydepicted in FIG. 2) and subsequently positioned in partially explodedarray relative to the previously reformed acetabulum of FIG. 5. Themating face of the outer anchoring support 20 (from which extend theinserting posts 23 and 23′) can exhibit any of a smooth, roughened orundercut configuration in order to facilitate either dry, cemented orbone promoting growth upon the posts 23, 23′ being installed within thevarious anchors 78 and installing to the ilium 8 (as shown in FIG. 8)and so that the femur 2 is secured in a universally articulating fashionclosely mimicking that of a natural hip socket. Referring now to FIG. 9,is an illustration largely replicating that shown in FIG. 8 and by whichthe combined ball and socket is shown in comparison to a correspondingoriginal profile (shown in phantom at 98) associated with an originalball and socket connection.

The larger/longer illustrated post illustrated at 23′ (as compared toadditional smaller sized posts 23) extending from the forward seatingface of the outer socket support 20 is shown configured with a uniqueshape (e.g. such as being longer or differently shaped) and anassociated undercut hole and anchor can be likewise configured in matingfashion. By keying the post 23′ to a selected anchor 78, incorrectattachment of the socket is avoided. Additional variants alsocontemplate the socket exhibiting any number or configuration of postsand/or anchors.

Also not shown but understood to be provided is any arrangement ofligament or connective structure between the outer socket support 20 andthe reformed acetabulum socket. Such can include the posts 23 and 23′being reconfigured to resistively fit or otherwise engage within theundercut formed profile associated with each drill aperture. It is alsounderstood and envisioned that any type of naturally forming and/orartificial ligament structure can be provided (not shown), such asreplicating the traditional five types of ligaments of which four areextracapsular (iliofemoral, ischiofemoral and pubofemoral (2)) and oneintracapsular (liagmentum teres). Also not shown but understood to bepresent both in the presently disclosed structure and succeedingdescription of the associated arthroplasty procedure are the features ofreconstructed vein, nerve and muscle connections, these borrowing fromboth existing and novel techniques and procedures for creating aneffective and durable artificial hip implant.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a partially exploded illustration is shown ofa modified and three dimensional shaped support 100 for securing andretaining in universal articulating fashion the inner socket ball (notshown), this according to a further variant in combination with aplurality of revised configured hip posts 102 exhibiting forwardincreased dimensioned projecting ends 104 formed or otherwise installedwithin the reshaped acetabulum 8. The posts 102 with enlargeddimensioned ends 104 resistively fit within internal anchors 106configured within a suitably dimensioned (and thickened) base of thefixed outer support 100 and so that the position of the anchors andinserting posts do not interfere with the articulating motion of theinstalled socket ball. Upon being aligned and press fit, the revisedsupport 100 operates in an identical fashion to that previouslydescribed.

FIG. 10A is a partially exploded illustration of a further twist andlock variant of the hip joint assembly and in which a first plurality ofradial positioned posts 108 with button projections are formed withinthe refashioned acetabulum 6 and which seat within a matching pluralityof slots including an enlarged inserting perimeter 110 defining a firstinitial locating and inserting position (FIG. 10B) which is accessiblefrom an exposed and seating surface of a further redesigned threedimensional articulating support 112. Upon initial linear installation(see arrow 114 in FIG. 10A), the socket and ball is caused to be twistlocked an incremental angular and clockwise rotation (see furtherdirectional arrow 116 in FIG. 10B) and which the button configuredprojections are subsequently caused to resistively seat within reduceddimensioned portions 118 associated with each of the recess definedslots 110.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a perspective illustration is again shown ofthe acetabulum socket 6 defined in the hip ilium and illustrating, inpartially exploded fashion, a hip socket liner 120 constructed of eitheror an admixture of both a metal and a plastic and which is cemented orotherwise secured to a previously reconditioned acetabulum surface priorto installation of the universal ball and outer socket support (notshown). It is contemplated that any part of the hip socket (i.e. iliumbone 8), can be constructing of or lined with a layering of any type ofplastic, metal or admixture thereof.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of an installation assembly according to ayet further embodiment and in which a redesigned outer and socketdefining anchoring support 122 is provided. A plurality of displaceableanchors 124 are located in spaced fashion about an outermost peripheryof the outer affixed support housing containing the socket and ball forinstallation within the acetabulum socket in a manner consistent withthat previously described. As further shown, the anchors 124 generallycorrespond to spike-shaped components and which are seated in linearlyprojecting fashion through perimeter spaced internal apertures (notshown) defined in spaced apart fashion about the periphery of the threedimensional and socket housing outer support 122.

FIG. 15 is a succeeding illustration to FIG. 14 in which the ilium bone8 is shown in phantom and by which the anchors 124 each include enlargedresistance engaging ends 126 which are linearly displaced intopreviously defined undercut recesses (not shown but understood as beingcapable of formed according to any of the structures and assemblyprotocols previously described) formed about a corresponding perimeterof the acetabulum (socket) associated with the bone. It is furtherunderstood that the anchors 124 can be provided as any of pre-drilled,self-drilling, barbed, twisting, push pin or other expanding typestructure. Furthermore, it is envisioned that the support 122 can beredesigned to feature any amount or configuration of anchors encirclingthe socket.

Finally, and referring to FIGS. 16-18, a series of illustrations areshown of a yet further configuration of outer fixed and threedimensional socket housing or support 128 for anchoring to thepreviously reformed/refashioned acetabulum socket. The support 128exhibits a widened width periphery approximate to which are located aplurality of circumferentially spaced apart and outwardly displaceabletabs 130, these being seated within associated recesses defined by innerfacing perimeter surfaces 132.

FIG. 17 is a succeeding view to FIG. 16 in which, upon aligning theouter fixed support 128 within the acetabulum, the tabs 130 areoutwardly displaced and (further owing to their angled profiles) aredownwardly rotated in successive motions and in order to overlaysurrounding and spaced surface locations of the ilium bone 8 in aprecise and fit-adjustment fashion. FIG. 18 is a final assembled view inwhich a plurality of anchors 134 either built into or separatelyattachable to the tabs are caused to seat within end proximate apertures138 of each tab (see FIG. 16).

Although not shown, it is understood that any of the preceded describedforming processes can be employed in order to drill form receiving,including undercut, recesses such as spot located within the ilium bonein a simultaneous/concurrent fashion. A final installation step includesthe provision of associated tab locking pins 140 designed into thearchitecture of the housing support 128 and at peripheral locationsaligning with the tabs 130 in their fully extended position of FIG. 17.Although not shown, it is understood that inner holes are provided in abase portion of each tab 130 which align with the inserting direction ofthe locking pins 140 and which are downwardly displaced to fix the tabs130 into their extended positions concurrent with them being anchored inplace to the ilium bone 8.

Having provided a detailed description of the working components of thehip installation assembly according to the several variants, adescription will now be made of the associated procedure for placement,in situ with the patient, of the self-contained articulating total hiparthroplasty device which is self lubricating, and totally constrained,thereby preventing the occurrence of undesirable dislocations.

As is known, standard exposure for total hip arthroplasty via anterior,anterolateral, poster approaches include soft tissue dissections andcorresponding arthrotomies. Acetabular (ilium socket) preparationthrough acetabular reamers (e.g. rotary drill of FIG. 3) shape theacetabulum (socket) into a desired hemispherical shape. Debris to beremoved through the self-accumulating grinder is collected in a wastechamber associated with the acetabular grinder body.

The placement of the reconditioned acetabular shell (socket) is suchthat it is located at a customary articulating position of anteversionand horizontal inclination per the host (patient) anatomy. Fixation pegsfor the acetabular anchoring devices are created through drilling intothe acetabular bone stock (FIG. 4). The anchoring pegs/pins/screws arethen placed into the host acetabular bone stock. At this point, thedrill template (again FIG. 4) is removed and placement of the hostsocket acetabulum is mated to the fixation devices of the articulatingacetabular femoral, self contained construct. Fixation of the acetabulum(socket) may be augmented with bone in-growth surfaces (again shown inthe linear cutaway of the supporting stem in FIG. 11) such as exhibitingmacro/micro textures to provide osteo-integration to the acetabularsurface.

The femoral (upper thigh bone) preparation created in a standard femoralneck osteotomy procedure includes adequately defining the entrance intothe intramedullary canal of the femur (FIG. 1). Reconditioningpreparation of the femur can include broaching such as is created byreaming, drilling, broaching of the proximal femur to accept theconfiguration of the femoral implant. The self contained deviceincorporating the acetabular articular surfaces and the femoral headarticulating surface are manufactured in a self contained single unitwhich provides a range of motion anatomically similar to a hip joint,thus preventing the occurrence of dislocation of the femoral head awayfrom the acetabulum, and is self-lubricating for improved longevity (seeFIGS. 11 and 11A). The new femoral head diameter and correspondingsocket exhibit a similar profile in size and configuration to that ofthe patient's original anatomy.

The device is then inserted into the femoral canal (FIG. 2) and eitherpress-fit or cement mantle with an adhesive compound such as apolymethylmethacrylate to a fully seated position. The feature of thestem extending articulating keel slot (also previously termed asdisplaceable anchor as again shown in FIG. 2) is again provided toprevent loosening or migration of the femoral implant.

The total articulating device, now entered into the femoral canal to afull seated position is then inserted with pegs/pins/screw fixation andthe like into the acetabular component where it is engaged. As describedin reference again to FIG. 11, the overlap arrangement establishedbetween the fixed and outer receiving support and the inner seating balldefines a resultant range of universal motion.

Also previously described, the ball and socket articulating device canbe constructed of a metal, plastic or any admixture or inter-percentagedefined composite to provide any of a range of desired materialproperties. The femoral inserted and supporting stem can also bemanufactured to exhibit either of a cemented or non-cemented macro ormicro texture to allow bone fixation or growth (again exhibited by theinterior configuration associated with the stein in FIG. 11) into thecomponent.

The acetabular component may also be constructed of a bone in-growthpromoting macro or micro texture and which may also exhibit shockabsorbing layers of polymers and/or plastics to prevent shock absorbingaffect to the acetabulum and to prevent the incidence of stresstransmission to the interfaces of the acetabulor or femoral implant. Thephalange of the neck of the femoral prosthesis may also exhibit a softermaterial than either metals or ceramics to thereby allow shock absorbingaffect with the interface of the femoral component.

The femoral stem itself may be made of metal or plastic and, aspreviously described, the integrally formed or separably attachableacetabular component may be combinations of metal, plastic and polymers.It is also envisioned that the articulation of the head relative to thereceiving socket (again FIG. 11) will be manufactured to maximizestability, range of motion and protection of the wear surfaces.

Having described my invention, other and additional preferredembodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which itpertnins, and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims.

1. A hip implant assembly, comprising: a body including a substantiallyspherical shaped ball from which extends an elongated stem, an annulardefining flange separating said ball from said stem and adapted to abutan exterior surface of a reconditioned femur upon inserting said stemwithin an interior passageway associated with the femur; an outwardlydisplaceable anchor within said stem which is actuated by a rotatableinput to a screw surface mounted in said annular flange, a series ofinterior and interconnected linkages are incorporated into said body andtransfer a rotatable input applied to said screw to outwardly displacesaid anchor into biasing contact with the interior of the femur, causingsaid flange to be drawn tight against the reconditioned surface of thefemur; and a three dimensional and interior volume defining supportsecuring about said ball in a universally articulating permittingfashion, said support further comprising a mounting surface mating withand affixed to a configuration associated with a reconditionedacetabulum socket of an ilium bone.
 2. A hip implant assembly,comprising: a body including a substantially spherical shaped ball fromwhich extends an elongated stem, an annular defining flange separatingsaid ball from said stem and adapted to abut an exterior surface of areconditioned femur upon inserting said stem within an interiorpassageway associated with the femur; a three dimensional and interiorvolume defining support securing about said ball in a universallyarticulating permitting fashion, said support further comprising amounting surface mating with and affixed to a configuration associatedwith a reconditioned acetabulum socket of an ilium bone; and a pluralityof outwardly projecting posts with enlarged dimensioned ends adapted tomount to the reconditioned acetabulum and resistively fitting withininternal anchors configured within an increased dimensioned base of saidsupport.
 3. The invention as described in claim 2, further comprisingsaid stem adapted to being adhesively cemented within the femur boneinterior.
 4. The invention as described in claim 2, further comprisingan inner remote end of said stem being cored or otherwise recessmachined in order to promote the in-growth of marrow within the andaround said stem.
 5. The invention as described in claim 2, furthercomprising a plurality of entrapped lubricant defined passagewaysestablished between said ball and an overlaying surface of said support.6. The invention as described in claim 5, further comprising a ventingport incorporated into an interior socket configuration establishedbetween said support and ball and in communication with said interiorpassageways to permit the removal, venting and/or replacement of thelubricant fluid.
 7. The invention as described in claim 2, furthercomprising each of said support and body being constructed of any typeof plastic, metal or admixture.
 8. The invention as described in claim2, said support further comprising a generally cup-shape defining areceiver for seating said ball and including a softer and inner/arcuateabsorbing layer extending in embedded fashion between an inner facingsurface and an outer facing surface adapted to seat against theacetabulum socket.
 9. The invention as described in claim 2, furthercomprising said annular extending flange constructed of a softer gradematerial than said stem and ball to assist in shaping and form fittingabout an exposed reconditioned surface of the upper femur.
 10. Theinvention as described in claim 2, further comprising an overlapconfiguration established between an end extending rim of said supportand inner seating ball which is located posterior to the maximumwidth/diameter dimension of said ball in order to retain the ball inseating fashion within the outer affixed and recess configuring supportwhile concurrently permitting a maximum possible degree of universalmovement of said ball relative to said support without causing said rimedge to come into contact with said flange defining the boundary betweensaid insertable stem and ball.
 11. The invention as described in claim2, further comprising said ball and elongated stem configured as a pairof threadably engageable components, said ball including an externallythreaded shaft end which is threadably engaged with an inner threadedsurface associated with a mating interior passageway of said stem and inproximity to said annular flange.
 12. A hip implant assembly,comprising: a body including a substantially spherical shaped ball fromwhich extends an elongated stem, an annular defining flange separatingsaid ball from said stem and adapted to abut an exterior surface of areconditioned femur upon inserting said stem within an interiorpassageway associated with the femur; a three dimensional and interiorvolume defining support securing about said ball in a universallyarticulating permitting fashion, said support further comprising amounting surface mating with and affixed to a configuration associatedwith a reconditioned acetabulum socket of an ilium bone; and a firstplurality of radial positioned posts with button projections mounted tothe reconditioned acetabulum, a matching plurality of recessed slotsbeing configured upon the mounting surface of said support and includingenlarged and perimeter defined inserting portions at an initial locatingand inserting position, said socket and ball subsequently being twistlocked an incremental angular direction within said slots so that saidbutton projections are caused to resistively seat within reduceddimensioned portions associated with each of the recess defined slots.13. A hip implant assembly, comprising: a body including a substantiallyspherical shaped ball from which extends an elongated stem, an annulardefining flange separating said ball from said stem and adapted to abutan exterior surface of a reconditioned femur upon inserting said stemwithin an interior passageway associated with the femur; a threedimensional and interior volume defining support securing about saidball in a universally articulating permitting fashion, said supportfurther comprising a mounting surface mating with and affixed to aconfiguration associated with a reconditioned acetabulum socket of anilium bone; and a plurality of displaceable anchors located in spacedfashion about an outermost periphery of said support and which areseated in linearly projecting fashion through perimeter spaced internalapertures defined in spaced apart fashion about the periphery of saidsupport, each of said anchors include enlarged resistance engaging endwhich is linearly displaced into and in resistive engaging contact withpreviously defined undercut recesses adapted to form about acorresponding perimeter of the acetabulum socket.
 14. A hip implantassembly, comprising: a body including a substantially spherical shapedball from which extends an elongated stem, an annular defining flangeseparating said ball from said stem and adapted to abut an exteriorsurface of a reconditioned femur upon inserting said stem within aninterior passageway associated with the femur; a three dimensional andinterior volume defining support securing about said ball in auniversally articulating permitting fashion, said support furthercomprising a mounting surface mating with and affixed to a configurationassociated with a reconditioned acetabulum socket of an ilium bone; anda plurality of circumferentially spaced and outwardly displaceable tabsdisposed about a width periphery of said support and seated withinassociated recesses formed in said support, said tabs outwardlydisplacing and downwardly rotating in successive motions and in order tooverlay surrounding and spaced surface locations of the ilium bone in aprecise and fit-adjustment fashion, a plurality of anchors incorporatedinto said tabs and engaging the bone, a like plurality of tab lockingpins mounted to said support at peripheral locations aligning with saidtabs and which are downwardly displaced to fix said tabs at theirextended and rotated positions concurrent with them being anchored inplace to the ilium bone.